Associate Provost for Finance and Sponsored Programs

Thank you for your interest in working at William Paterson University.

William Paterson University is a purpose-driven, proudly diverse community—designated as both a public Hispanic-Serving Institution and Minority-Serving Institution—committed to creating transformative academic, professional, and personal experiences as a powerhouse of progress. We foster a workplace that values growth, flexibility, and community, and we are recognized as a 2024 and 2025 Forbes’ Best Employers by State, 2025 Great College to Work For, and honored with the NJBIZ Empowering Women Award. 

Our 1,000 dedicated staff members enjoy competitive benefits, a four-day summer workweek, tuition support, and strong opportunities for internal promotion. Situated on a scenic suburban campus just 20 miles from New York City, WP offers a diverse, inclusive environment where your contributions fuel student success, economic and social mobility, and community engagement. Together, we empower our students through intentional, holistic support within flexible, innovative, and inclusive settings—preparing graduates to thrive professionally and personally, and to lead with a commitment to progress in New Jersey and beyond. 

JOB SUMMARY

The Associate Provost for Finance and Sponsored Programs has primary responsibility for fiscal matters and grant-funded program operations of the Academic Affairs Division. Reporting directly to the Provost, this position serves as a key strategic partner in ensuring the sound stewardship of divisional resources, translating the institution's academic priorities into actionable financial and operational plans. The Associate Provost serves as the primary Academic Affairs liaison to the divisions of Finance and Administration, and Institutional Advancement, and provides expert guidance to the Provost, Associate Provosts, deans, directors, and department chairs on matters bearing on resource allocation, budget development, and compliance. The position provides oversight for the Office of Sponsored Programs, encompassing the full lifecycle of grant and contract activity from pre-award through research compliance. The Associate Provost oversees graduate assistantship procedures and practices for the University.

This role requires a leader of high integrity with strong analytical capability, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively across a complex academic enterprise. The successful candidate will bring a data-informed, strategic mindset to operational challenges while fostering a collaborative, service-oriented culture within the Provost's Office.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead the annual budget development and multi-year financial planning processes for the Division of Academic Affairs, collaborating with unit heads to align resources with strategic priorities.
• Prepare and present fiscal management reports, analyses, dashboards, and data summaries.
• Advise on matters with fiscal implications, providing scenario modeling and options analysis to support informed decision-making.
• Conduct revenue and cost forecasts and personnel-related analyses to inform key performance indicator development, execution, and unit accountability.
• Provides direction and facilitates training for Division as needed on financial expenditure processes and procedures.
• Manage the academic Graduate Assistantship program and work with Academic Deans and key stakeholders to expand and enhance such opportunities.
• Provide operational leadership and oversight for the Office of Sponsored Programs in the management of grant and contract activities, including pre- and post-award administration and research compliance.
• Partner with Post-Award Grants Administration to ensure compliance, accurate reporting, and effective stewardship of sponsored funding.
• Serves as the Academic Affairs liaison to Institutional Advancement to oversee and support the enactment of gifts, grants, and contracts through the William Paterson University Foundation to appropriate units within the division.
• Coordinates with the Division of Finance and Administration to provide training and support to staff and faculty with budgetary responsibilities.
• Performs other duties as assigned that are appropriate for the position. Supervises, develops and evaluates staff within reporting offices. Leads University committees and councils appropriate for the duties described above.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Progressive leadership experience in higher education administration.
• Familiarity with state and federal regulations governing public higher education finance and personnel.
• Demonstrated experience in financial planning and academic budgeting.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Doctorate or other appropriate terminal degree from an accredited college or university.
• Experience with sponsored programs administration (pre-award, post-award, and/or research compliance).
• Demonstrated experience developing KPIs and using data analytics to drive operational improvements.
• Excellent verbal, written, presentation and critical thinking skills, and high standards of professionalism.

This description indicates the general nature and level of work performed by employees in the above job. It is not intended to be a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to the job.

Salary - NAL - $172,491 - $229,988
This position may be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package, which includes health and dental insurance and retirement plans. To learn more, please visit: Benefits Package Pamphlet (NAL)
Invitation to apply
Interested candidates will be prompted to complete an application and submit a cover letter and resume/CV.
Submission of all documents listed is required for consideration and all documents should be uploaded where prompted to upload your resume/cv.
General questions related to this application process, please contact:
[email protected] .
Please include with your inquiry the Job Requisition number beginning with R as well as the job title and department.

Salary Range:

Please see posting.

Total Rewards and Benefits:

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EEO Statement

William Paterson University is dedicated to providing equal opportunities and equal access to all individuals regardless of race or ethnicity, sex/gender (including pregnancy), gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, civil union status, familial status, religion, national origin or citizenship, military service status, or any other category protected by law. William Paterson University does not discriminate on the basis of any category stated above or as prohibited by applicable law. Individuals from historically underrepresented backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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